Pattaya Travel Information
 

Pattaya is Thailand's premier beach resort and annually attracts hundreds of thousands of pleasure seeking tourists from all over the world. Pattaya relaxing tropical ambience is perfect for a memorial holiday experience for families, couples and single visitors.
Up until about thirty years ago, Pattaya was little more than a fishing village. American GI's from bases in Nakhon Ratchasima 'discovered' the beach, resulting in it becoming an R 'n' R spot during the Indo-Chinese wars. 

Over the years it has developed into the full scale international resort that it is today.
Pattaya beach touches the shoreline in a 4 km long arc. The southern beach is well renowned for its night-time activities. The streets alive to the hustle and bustle of the entertainment halls, crowded bars and restaurants. The northern beach is more sedate, well for Pattaya. A few kilometres south of Pattaya is the beach of Jomtien, with a cleaner beach and a cleaner reputation. A full range of water sports, along with equipment to hire can be arranged at many places both at Pattaya and Jomtien resorts.

For those of a more sporting nature, indoor or outdoor, Pattaya has the facilities for a whole range of sports that cater for all ages, and all levels of physical exertion. There are bowling alleys, snooker halls, archery and several of the leading hotels have tennis courts. For those wanting to tone their bodies for the beach, there are several gyms and fitness centres around the town. More fun sports are also available; go-karting, parasailing and paintballing skirmishes.

Golfing enthusiasts can challenge the greens at nearby international courses.
Ofcourse there are also the usual water-borne activities to enjoy as well in Pattaya.
Although it is more associated with its debauched patrons, it is more than fast food restaurants and A go-go bars. It is not just a Patpong-sur-le-mer: it has amenities for the whole family to enjoy. With theme parks, water parks, amusement arcades and many of the leading hotels having 'childrens clubs' to keep the kids entertained, the whole family can find something to enjoy in Pattaya.

Along with all this, a wide variety of accommodations, restaurants, and entertainment all help to make Pattaya one of Thailand's prime tourist attractions.

Getting there
Pattaya is 140 Kilometres by road from Bangkok. There is a motorway that runs from Bangkok to Chonburi and a new dual carriage way road from Chonburi to Pattaya. Unfortunately it can take an hour or more to get from the airport to the start of the motorway so many drivers will choose to use the Bang Na Expressway which passes by the airport and now goes all the way to Chonburi. The fastest way by road is to take the Bang Na Expressway, turnoff at the Bangkok - Chonburi Motorway exit. Turn right on to the Motorway and then follow the signs to Pattaya. Following this route I've completed the journey in less than 1 hour 30 minutes.

Taxi and Limo
One-way fare by limo is about 2,500 Baht, a 5 star taxi is about 1,500 Baht and a meter taxi is about 1,200 Baht.

Air Conditioned Bus
This is probably the easiest, cheapest and most pleasant way to get from Bangkok to Pattaya for the budget traveler. Busses leave from the Eastern Bus Terminal on Sukhumvit Rd every 30 minutes or so between 6am and 2am the next day. The bus arrives in Pattaya at a bus terminal on North Pattaya Rd, within a couple of kilometers of all major hotels. The cost for the bus ride is just 75 baht. From the terminal grab a baht bus (blue utility vehicle with seating in the back). You will have to negotiate the fare but it should not be more than 40 baht.

By air-conditioned bus (Duration 2 1/2 hrs.) 
If you are on a tight budget, take the VIP air-conditioned bus.
Departure from the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) to the Pattaya Bus Station on North Pattaya Rd. daily at 05.00 hrs. and every 30 minutes until 22.00 hrs. One way fare: approx. 77 Baht. 
Departure from the Northern Bus Terminal (Mor Chit) to the Pattaya Bus Station on North Pattaya Rd. daily at 05.00 hrs. and every 30 minutes until 19.00 hrs. One way fare: approx. 77 Baht.
Departure from the Bangkok Airport to Pattaya daily at 9.00, 12.00 and 19.00 hrs. One way fare: approx. 180 Baht Reservation: Thai Airway, arrival lounge.

By non air-conditioned bus
Departure from the Eastern Bus Terminal Daily at 05.00 hrs. and every 30 minutes until 21.00 hrs.
One way fare: approx. 37 Baht.

By train
There is a train leaving the Bangkok Railway Station (Hualamphong) to Pattaya daily at 7.00 hrs.
Call (66-2) 2237010, 2237020 for further information.

Climate
Thailand has a tropical climate with three seasons: 
Hot (March-May), Rainy (June-October) and Cool (November-February). 
It is hot all year round, there is little difference between the hottest and coolest months, and average temperatures are around 27° c. 
The months with the most rain are July, August and September. Pattaya coastal location means more breezes than say Bangkok and the rain tends to come in short and heavy bursts rather than prolonged over days, but no matter when you come, you'll have a good time. 

What to bring
Light summer clothes, (unless you are here during the winter, and plan to go to the Northern region, then you should bring a sweater). But you may find it easier to buy cloths when you are here as they are very cheap and very good quality. Bring your swimming gear; but no need to bring scuba tanks as they can be easily rented from most dive shops for less than the cost of bringing your own.

International Driving License, if you want to drive a hire car or Jeep. Most visitors, especially from Europe, don't bother buying "Duty-free" alcohol or cigarettes, as these items are very cheap here, for example a packett of 20 imported cigarettes is around 50 Baht and good Scotch about 850 Baht.

Getting Around Pattaya
Once you have arrived in Pattaya, getting around is easy and cheap.
The common form of transport is the Baht bus, a converted pick-up truck with a covered back and seats to accommodate about 10 persons. The fare within the Pattaya city area is an amazing 5 Baht! These "buses" are plentiful and operate 24-hours a day. You never have to wait more than a minute or two for the next one to come along. 
Motorcycle taxis are for the more adventurous. If you prefer to drive yourself, rental cars, jeeps and motorcycles of all styles are also available. 

Travel within the resort
Travelling around Pattaya is most convenient by mini-buses that continually ply the Beach Road and Pattaya 2nd Road in counterclockwise circuits. Fares are 5 Baht per person per ride, fares beyond main bag one negotiable.

Mini Siam & Mini Europe
Located near Pattaya Klang, is Thailand's first wonder displaying Thai and
European heritage on a miniature scale. This is the third miniature town in the world after the Netherlands and Taiwan that brings together models of important objects and historical sites of distance culture and civilizations of various periods from the ancient time till present. More than 100 models, each on a scale of 1: 25, are displays in an area of 29 rai, surrounded by natural sceneries blended with different types of well selected trees.
Open daily from 7.00 AM - 10.00 PM. Admission fee is 200 Baht per person.
Call +66(38) 421 628 for more details. 

Million Years Stone Park & Crocodile Farm 
Located some 9 kilometers from Pattayas township, comprises breeding pens with more than 1,000 crocodiles, a zoo and a bonsai garden decorated with fancy shaped natural rock formations.
Open daily from 8.30 AM - 6.00 PM.
There are crocodile shows at 11.00 AM, 2.00 PM and 4.30 PM.
Admission fee is 250 Baht per person.
For more information please contact ph. +66(2) 579 50 33 (Bangkok)
or +66(38) 249 347-9 (Pattaya).

Wat Yansangwararam
A temple under the King's patronage is unique for it's modern Thai architecture.
Here meditation course is offered for common men at 6.00 AM and 6.00 PM. The temple is 12 kilometers south of Pattaya and only 3 kilometers from Nong Nooch Village.
Call +66(38) 237 642 for further information.

Nearby Wat Yansangwararam is a Chinese-style building called "Wihan Sian" housing antiques and art objects from China. Admission fee is 30 Baht per person.

Siam Country Club 
Located at Km. 145 on Sukhumvit Highway, with the left turn about 11 kilometers. With 6,448 yards, par 72, it is one of country's most challenging courses with lots of wooded hills.
The course offers accommodation in a hilly photogenic landscape.
For more information ph. +66(2) 215 31 24, 28025 32 (Bangkok),
or +66(38) 249 381-3 (Pattaya). 

Pattaya Elephant Village 
Is on the road to Siam Country Club Golf Course. The village shows elephant displaying forestry skills, playing football and re-enact of war elephant parade. The village also demonstrates how wild elephants were captured in the north eastern part of Thailand.
Daily Show time is at 2.30 PM. ph. +66(38) 428 645. 

Panarak Park
5 km. off Pattaya City on the road to Siam Country Club Golf Course,
offers a tropical garden setting. The park equip with fishing gears for a well-stocked fishing pond.
The place also facilitate with bungalow accommodations, restaurant, jogging and cycling paths, boating and water-cycling. It gives up-country experience for staying overnight there.
Further information please contact ph. +66(2) 521 07 63, 521 16 65.

The Bira International Circuit
Located at Km. 14 on Route 36. The 2.4 kilometers circuit is ideal for formula 3 races.
For the one who loves speed and would like to experience real thing on the racing track, the circuit opens every day. 
For more details ph. +66(2) 587 74 48.

Pattaya Park
Between South Pattaya and Hat Jomtien, is a water amusement park with water sliders, whirlpools and a large pool for children, so as other different type of pools.
Admission fee is B 60.
Open from 9.00 AM - 6.00 PM. contact ph. +66(38) 251 201-8.

Suan Nong Nooch 
Covering an area of some 500 acres about 15 kilometers from South Pattaya is a Thai-village-style recreation park, The entire area is beautifully landscaped, with orchid nursery and other botanical gardens. There are also cultural and traditional performances and an elephant show.
Accommodation may be booked by calling +66(2) 252 17 86 (Bangkok) or +66(38) 436 655-7 (Pattaya).

Koh Larn
45 minutes offshore by tourist boat or 15 minutes by speed boat, is the largest of Pattayas archipelago. Major attractions include viewing coral reefs from glass bottomed boats, snorkelling, scuba diving, windsurfing, skiing and parasailing. There are a lot of seafood restaurants on the island's main beaches. Deep sea fishing can be arranged to Koh Larn's neighboring islands such as Koh Khrok and Koh Sak.

Koh Phai
Currently under the care of the Royal Navy.
Visitors are not allowed to stay overnight here, but it has fine deserted beaches that are open for the public during the day and sure is worth a visit.

Hat Jomtien
Located 2 kilometers from South Pattaya. White sandy beach is good for swimming.
Reasonable accommodation is also available.